NORWOOD, MA (Jan. 16, 2012) –  The Boston Breakers signed Massachusetts native and former Atlanta Beat defender Bianca D'Agostino.

The No. 18 overall selection in the 2011 WPS Draft, by the Philadelphia Independence, D'Agostino was later signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Beat. She started five of the 10 games she appeared in for the Beat, logging 418 minutes.

D'Agostino was born and raised in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She played high school soccer at The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn., where she scored 76 goals and had 44 assists in 65 games. In 2007, she was named a Parade All-American, and she was named to the NSCAA High School All-American twice.

"It's really exciting to come play in Massachusetts because it is basically the first time in five years I've had the chance to play close to home," D'Agostino said from the U-23 camp. "Boston is a great city to live in with a lot of love and passion for sports, and my family and friends are all very excited to come support me and the Breakers this season."

D'Agostino also has experience in the U.S. National Team system. She was selected for the U-14 and 17 National Team pools, and she is currently training with the U.S. U-23s in Florida. She is expected to arrive in Boston in less than six weeks for the start of the Breakers' preseason.

"I'm looking forward to the 2012 season a lot," D'Agostino said. "Now that I have one year in WPS under my belt, I have a better idea of what is expected from a player in this league. I'm ready for the offseason to be over and get back into trainings and games. I think this will be a positive year, and I'm really excited to be able to share it with my hometown family and fans."

When she arrives in Boston, D'Agostino will see a lot of familiar faces, having played with nearly a half dozen current Breakers throughout the years.

"I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play with a few other players from the Breakers other than Cat (Whitehill)," D'Agostino said. "I can't wait to play with Cat again, she was a great teammate and mentor for me last season. I also have played with Shep (Katie Schoepfer), Elli Reed, Keelin Winters, and Alyssa Naeher. I know the Breakers have a great group of girls, and I look forward to playing with them."